Elite Thai Boxing Gym stars close in on World title shots

WORLD title shots beckon for a pair of Southport’s Elite Thai Boxing Gym fighters.

If Andy Brocklebank and Kevin Ward come through their next tests, they will find themselves on the brink of some of the biggest contests possible.

Ward (13-2) takes on British number one Mehdi Ferruzi for the WRSA super-middleweight Commonwealth belt on July 25 in Warrington.

Taking on the highly-rated Sheffield man, Ward faces his sternest fight to date but heads into the contest as the reigning WKA English Champion and current Golden Belt holder.

Elite Gym head coach Phil Barton is backing his man to upset the nation’s highest ranked 12st fighter and take his career to the next level.

“We feel that this is a good fight for Kev - a win-win situation for us if he wins this fight then the whole domestic level has been contested and we can push on to another level.”

Meanwhile, Andy Brocklebank will be vying for the Ultimate Cage Championships at 66kg two days before Ward takes on Ferruzi.

Fifth in thee GB Thai Boxing rankings, Brocklebank boasts the experience of 25 Muay fights and two years of training at the famous Wolfslair Gym where he has sparred with UFC stars Michael Bisping and Randy Jackson.

“This is a great chance for Andy to place himself on the MMA scene,” added Barton.

“He’s a great athlete and a pleasure to coach. I’ve never come across any fighter that puts himself through such a meticulous and vigorous training schedule, training every day for ten weeks when getting ready for a fight.

“This fight means a lot to Andy and he is well prepared and totally focused. I have every confidence he’ll go on and do well.”

Finally Phil’s 16-year-old son Jake continues to make waves in the sport after claiming a seventh straight win.

Barton’s latest victory came against Liverpool puncher Alan Gilmartin at the Adelphi Hotel over five rounds.

All three of the Elite Gym’s stand-out fighters are set to feature on a Southport show in October. If you are interested in sponsoring the show or want to start training at the gym, call Phil on 07909666750.